SHOOTING SUSPECT REMAINS AT LARGE

The suspect in the shooting of an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy in the early morning hours of Friday, January 3rd, remains at large and is to be considered armed and dangerous.

Austin Dakota Schepers, Age 33, last known address of Jasper, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting of the deputy outside of West Baden. Indiana State Police Troopers and Detectives from the Jasper, Sellersburg, and Bloomington districts, as well as law enforcement officers from southern Indiana, have attempted to locate Schepers throughout the day. A Blue Alert was also issued. Schepers is a white male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches and 150 pounds. He has neck tattoos and the tattoo of a cross under his left eye.

Sometime Friday afternoon, Indiana State Police Detectives received information that Schepers was at a residence in the 1800 block of East Market Street in New Albany. A search warrant was applied for and granted. When officers arrived at the residence, attempts were made to contact Schepers and have him surrender without incident. Indiana State Police hostage negotiators were also present at the scene to help get Schepers out of the residence without incident.

The search warrant was executed and Schepers was not found at the residence. The Indiana State Police reiterates that Schepers is to be considered armed and dangerous and should NOT BE APPROACHED. If located, citizens should immediately contact 911.
 

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.